By ChangeLab Solutions.
Shared Use Addresses a Common Problem
For the nearly 15,000 Tongan Americans who live in Salt Lake County, Utah, a survey by the local chapter of the National Tongan American Society found two key culprits causing low rates of physical activity within the community. First, the survey uncovered that most residents did not have access to essential resources like gym memberships, exercise equipment, or even safe sidewalks. And second, the survey revealed that residents preferred to exercise with other people but there were few affordable options for group activities.
This unfortunate scenario is all too familiar for many Americans. People want opportunities for exercise and recreation yet can’t find safe, affordable options near where they live or work. To address this problem, the National Tongan American Society (NTAS) contacted ChangeLab Solutions for help in developing shared use agreements with churches and schools, since both had exercise resources that weren’t always in use. Shared use agreements — also called joint use agreements or community use agreements — are a policy strategy that can support safe and healthy communities by increasing opportunities for health, physical activity, and leisure, using existing community resources. As a result of NTAS’s efforts, 6 churches, 5 schools, and 1 community center agreed to open their recreation rooms, running tracks, and basketball and tennis courts for public use, even offering to host volleyball tournaments and free Zumba classes.
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